United Way of the Columbia-Willamette Retains Highest Charity Navigator Ratings

Portland, Oregon – August 6, 2009 – For the third year in a row, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette has achieved the highest rating possible from Charity Navigator for sound fiscal management.

Only 12% of the charities rated by Charity Navigator have received at least three consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that United Way of the Columbia-Willamette consistently executes its
mission in a fiscally responsible way, and outperforms most other charities in America.

According to Charity Navigator President Ken Berger, “This ‘exceptional’ designation from Charity Navigator differentiates United Way of the Columbia-Willamette from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.”

Savvy donors are demanding more accountability, transparency and quantifiable results from the charities they choose to support with their hard-earned dollars. The harsh economic landscape, coupled with the unprecedented pace of growth of the nonprofit sector, makes a 4-star Charity Navigator rating more important as donors look for essential information about the most effective way to give.

"Our region expects its United Way to operate as efficiently and effectively as possible.  This top recognition by Charity Navigator is important, and gratifying.  However, the true measure of our work will always be, how well are we serving our neighbors in need?" says Dan James,
Board Chair, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette.

Charity Navigator, America's premier charity evaluator, implements an unbiased, objective, numbers-based rating system to assess the financial health of more than 5,000 of America's best-known charities. Other Oregon nonprofits receiving 4-star ratings include Oregon Community Foundation, Mercy Corps and EcoTrust.

“To be recognized at the highest level of efficiency and accountability demonstrates the high standards we meet and the quality of our United Way,” says Marc Levy, CEO and President, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette. “This recognition reflects positively on our community, volunteers and donors because the United Way of Columbia Willamette is a community asset managed and directed by the local community. The 4-star rating reflects the time and talent it takes for us all to do ‘good works’ in helping those in need.” 

About the United Way of the Columbia-Willamette
United Way of the Columbia-Willamette is working to advance the common good in the four-county Portland/Vancouver area by focusing on the basics we all need for success:  education, income, and health. We all win when children succeed in school, families are financially stable and independent, and people have good health. Our goal is to create long-lasting changes that prevent problems from happening in the first place. By working together we can create opportunities for a better life and create a stronger community.  That’s what it means to LIVE UNITED.